Best Interview Questions

Some companies prefer to think (way, way) outside the box: 'If you were a cereal, what would you be and why?', 'Do you believe in Big Foot?' (Yes, these are all genuine questions asked by employers)...

Sometimes, though, sticking to traditional interview questions is the best way to determine if a candidate is up to the mark. Below are six questions you should be asking any potential employee.

#1: TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF

This is the perfect kick-starter question. Good candidates will tell you about their personal life but also about certain skills and experience that relate to the role. This is a great way to see if they've got the desired skills, but will also help to determine whether they will fit in with your team or not.

#2: WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?

Some people are so desperate for a job, they'll go for anything. What this question does is allow you to gauge whether they really want to work for your company, or if they see it as 'just another job.' A good candidate would have researched your company's work ethics and values and will tell you why they really want to be a part of it. A candidate who wants to work for your company is more likely to stick around.

#3: WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?

This is the chance for candidates to shine. Good candidates will be confident; they should convince you, the employer, why they're a cut above the rest. They should talk about how their education, skills and experience make them the best candidate for the role. And remember: if a candidate doesn't have confidence in themselves, are they likely to have confidence in the role?

#4: WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?

Good candidates will be self-reflective and should recognise their weaknesses; however they should also counter each weakness with what they are doing to improve/correct them.

#5: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

You want career-driven, ambitious employees, right? A good candidate will have big plans for the future and will see your company as a way to foster their ambition. An ambitious employee is a motivated employee and is likely to work hard to get where they want to be.

#6: DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Turn the tables and put yourself in the hot seat. A good candidate will ask lots of questions about the company and their prospective role, as this shows interest. If a candidate answers 'no,' this may assume they know everything they want to know - which could suggest a lack of interest.

Once you've grilled your job candidates and found your shining stars, why not treat them to a team building day at Go Ape? A fun-filled afternoon tackling tree-top obstacles is a great way to introduce them to your team and your company.